The Breath & Birth Co Podcast
Pregnant and craving evidence-based guidance but not more conflicting advice?
Tune in twice a week with Vanessa Bauman (DONA-International Certified Birth Doula, Certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher, and Certified Childbirth Educator) for practical tools, calm mind-body practices, and real-life birth wisdom you can trust.
What you’ll hear
- Monday Meditations – 10–15-minute breathwork & visualization sessions that lower stress hormones and deepen your bond with baby. (Keywords: pregnancy meditation, prenatal yoga breathing, relaxation techniques for labor)
- Thoughtful Thursdays – Expert interviews, empowering birth stories, and research-backed tips to help you advocate for the birth you want… whether that’s unmedicated, epidural-assisted, or belly-birth. (Keywords: evidence-based birth, hospital birth, natural birth, cesarean support, birth plan)
Why listen?
- Merge intuition + modern medicine so you can make confident decisions
- Learn doula-approved coping skills, labor positions, and postpartum prep
- Feel supported by a community that values calm, confidence, and connection
🔔 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and start your transformation from anxious to empowered parent-to-be… one episode at a time.
(Educational content only; not a substitute for personalized medical advice.)
The Breath & Birth Co Podcast
The Audacity to Birth Your Way with Birth Doula Megan Neal
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator, talks with fellow doula Megan Neal of Birth Your Way about their experiences in the birth support field, including inspirations, challenges, and the importance of advocacy. Megan shares her journey into birth work, misconceptions about labor, and the roles of support partners. They discuss the importance of developing confidence, creating a calm birthing environment, and building a supportive village during pregnancy. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of doulas and other professionals, like pelvic health therapists, in supporting a positive birth experience. Vanessa and Megan offer practical advice for birthing individuals and their partners to feel empowered and informed throughout the pregnancy and birthing process.
00:00 Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co. Podcast
00:47 Meet Megan Neal: A Journey into Birth Work
03:30 The Role of Confidence in Childbirth
07:49 Advocacy in the Birthing Process
13:37 Memorable Experiences and Lessons Learned
23:20 Creating a Calm and Empowered Birth Experience
28:02 Building Your Village: Support During Pregnancy and Beyond
30:12 The Importance of Having a Doula
31:13 Building Your Support Village
33:21 Professional Support During Pregnancy
34:43 The Role of Pelvic Floor Specialists
42:24 Chiropractors and Other Professionals
43:55 Preparing Partners for Labor and Delivery
46:52 Recommended Books and Resources
48:16 Changes Needed in Maternity Care
51:38 Staying Passionate in Birth Work
56:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
See more in the SHOW NOTES here.
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As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.